“Remember your commitment to ‘no matter what’? So, what’s up with the bullcrap reasons you’re coming up with to the contrary?” These are the words I heard from a sales trainer many years ago.
Why would you defend anything less than your best? Who wants to sanction your own underperformance? I’ll tell you. It’s because we’re catering to the way we feel, and we’re justifying it with excuses.
We’ve all made excuses, and they may have seemed to serve you well on occasion, but at some point, we became aware that nothing gets done when excuses are in the way.
I’m talking to myself too! I could have done this writing a long time ago, but I was too busy, too tired, or not ready. Maybe I wasn’t given the proper upbringing. Perhaps I’m unqualified. I’ll always be able to produce excuses, and so will you. It’s time to recognize what they are and eliminate them.
Too often people give up before even getting started because they don’t “feel like it”. If we follow our feelings every time, we would be in a world of hurt. Discipline and courage are traits of high achievers. They know there’s no time for excuses and mediocre attempts. Show me a lazy businessperson, and I’ll show you his skinny kids. It’s choosing short-term comfort at the expense of long-term success.
When it’s time for action, how often do you perform a quick scan of bogus disqualifications in your mind to either justify your laziness to get out of facing an important and potentially difficult situation?
Excuses come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the simpler ones we hear in some forms are “too tired”, “too busy”, “no opportunities”, “no money”, “too hard”, “too young”, “too old”, “too this, and “too that”.
These excuses are copout statements. Note the words “too” and “no”. Compared to what? How do you know? Who says? There may be some truth contained the words, but usually they are simply stonewalling excuses we tell others, or you tell yourself to get out of what you should be doing while neglecting to take responsibility for the circumstances of your life.
That blows! Stop it!
How about all the excuses beginning with “I can’t…” or “I’m not…”? How are you going to reach your potential with negative talk like that? Are you comparing yourself to others in envy? Stop that too! It never ends well.
The actions to take toward stopping excuses is to be conscious of them, know the difference between lame excuses and priorities, and take control of the narrative of your life.
Adopt a mindset that doesn’t entertain the use of excuses. If you’re “too tired” to do something important, begin anyway. It’s amazing how quickly your focus and energy quickly follow. You’ll find your second wind.
You’re not too young, and you’re not too old. As long as your heart is beating and you’re not in a coma, you can do incredible things. You’re all the wiser with age, and that wisdom should not be wasted.
Speaking of wisdom, here are a few nuggets for you…
Are you tired all the time?
You may have wondered how some people can be so energetic, pop up excited for their day, and are cheery all day, when all you want to do is bury your head in the pillow when the alarm clock goes off and dread the dreary day ahead.
When you have a strong purpose and begin to intentionally work toward it, the motivation comes, the energy comes, and the excuses subside. That’s when you’re onto something awesome. It pulls you through the day, gets you up and excited for what the day brings.
I hope you’re pursuing your God-given purpose and your best life.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are people who consistently blame outside forces or other people for their poor quality of life. They’ll remain trapped. The fact is that they usually don’t want to get better anyway. Habitual excuse making is a sign of a bigger issue.
It can be a symptom of fear and undealt with issues, but this “victim mentality” plays out as a manipulation technique where they take other people’s time to justify their own misery. They weaponize their circumstances hoping someone will feel sorry for them.
I’m glad they steer clear of coaches like me. They don’t seek help because they think everyone else has a problem.
You are called to live by a higher standard. We don’t want to be like everyone else. We want to do things that matter. We want to make a difference. We must live intentionally. Seek motivation, inspiration, and a better way. Know who you are and what you stand for. The story of your life is in your control.
Excuse makers spend a lot of time and energy remaining in their mediocrity. Might as well expend your energy on what matters and focus on becoming the best possible version of yourself. A life without excuses is much more rewarding.
Hope this helps you along your journey of excellence! Tell me what you liked best about it.
-Rick